Return to Normal

The court was silent as Kate read out Ronnie's statement. The woman in the dock glared as Jake held her gaze. The witnesses had finished giving their testimony, the officers had been cross examined. Ronnie's statement was the last to be heard. Minutes later the Judge dismissed the jury before Gould was led away.

"It's enough." Jake whispered as Kate nodded. She hoped he was right - the murderer in the dock had to be found guilty. Kate still couldn't quite believe the woman hadn't pleaded guilty. It was obvious that the woman had tortured and killed three people. Jake rested his hand on the small of her back as he ushered her out of the court room.

Xxxxx

Ronnie thanked the nurse as she removed his venflon. The nurse smiled before handing him the discharge papers to him before advising him to take things easy. Ronnie nodded before picking up his jacket.

"Thanks."

"Ready Dad?" Sarah smiled as she cradled baby Louisa in her arms. He nodded before following her out of the room. It was time to go home.

Xxxxxx

Natalie stood next to Joe and Sam as the Judge walked back into the court room. Sam narrowed his eyes as he watched the woman stand in the dock. The brunette looked so small that butchering the men she had killed seemed impossible for her.

"Here we go." She whispered as Angie looked towards the victims' families. It was always those left behind to pick up the pieces that she felt for. Sighing she glanced to where Natalie was stood, knowing that she had been through so much recently. She knew the Guv had almost been the one left behind when Ronnie had been hospitalised. Seeing the way his heart attack had affected the team had frightened her. Ronnie was the heart of the team - the old hand that had held them together. Before she had realised what was happening the Forman of the jury had given the guilty verdict and the judge had moved on to the sentencing.

"Ang?" Matt whispered as she tore her eyes back to him. "You ok?"

"Yeah."

"Sarah just text. Ron is on his way home. He's been discharged."

She smiled slightly, knowing that just because the team had made it; that even natural causes hadn't ripped them apart there was no way anything was going to be the same again. She nodded as the Judge finished his monologue before turning to see Natalie head across the court once the jury and judge had left.

"Does she know?"

"Yeah. Her oldest is driving. Sarah isn't clear to drive anywhere yet." Matt shrugged.

"This job."

"What about it?" Matt shrugged. Angie shoved her hands in her suit pockets.

"Nothing." She paused. "Nothing, I'm glad he's home. Back to normal now? Eh?" She headed across to Jake and Kate as Matt watched her go; wondering exactly what 'normal' for the coppers of MIU could actually be.

Xxxx

A/N not happy with the ending but new story soon. Please review